Television commercials, billboards and more will soon be declaring Vanderbilt's determination to be a game changer on the playing field.

The "This is a Game Changer" marketing campaign begins in early September.

"The Game Changer campaign celebrates - and we hope inspires - every member of the Vanderbilt community who is a game changer in his or her own way," Chancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos said. "It's an apt summation of Vanderbilt's can-do attitude as the football season and fall semester commence.

"For our sports programs, the message focuses on our commitment to win on our terms," Zeppos continued. "We reject the notion that we have to compromise on academics in exchange for athletic success. By expecting excellence in sports and academics, Vanderbilt can be at the forefront of a new day in intercollegiate athletics."

The Vanderbilt community includes "game changers" in every area - students who aspire to be agents of change in their communities; faculty and staff who are pushing the boundaries of teaching, research and patient care; and alumni and donors whose support of Vanderbilt changes lives for the better every day.

"Our athletes are preparing to be game changers in competition, but those moments don't happen just on the field or the court," Zeppos said. "They will happen thousands of times this year in classrooms, offices, laboratories and clinics across our campus. This is a call to action to be prepared to seize those moments."

"The Game Changer campaign is an exciting initiative for our athletics department as well as the entire university community," David Williams, vice chancellor for athletics and university affairs and athletics director, said. "It has the potential to inspire all of us to be game changers not only on the playing fields, but in all aspects of our lives. It also provides the momentum to link what we do in athletics to the larger mission of our great university. Vanderbilt is a game changer because all of us are game changers."